Official MLBlog of the Kansas City Royals front office.

June 2010

Take it from media relations intern Hillary who was dripping after two minutes into this interview…it’s hot! Yost said that unlike the old days when he was a player, the team is taking valuable precautions to stay healthy in this summer heat, such as by eating right and staying hydrated. In particular, Yost is helping catcher Jason Kendall take special precautions by giving him a day’s rest. Though Kendall nearly always wants to play, Yost is keeping the big picture in mind so that Kendall will be strong and healthy late in the season. Members of the media asked when Jose Guillen might have a day off, but Yost responded that he doesn’t want to remove Guillen from the lineup because he is currently on a 19-game hitting streak, the longest of his career.

With Kendall out of today’s lineup, second baseman Mike Aviles will move into the two-hole. Yost knows that there is a lot more to a successful two-hole hitter than what shows up in the box score. Rather than only looking at hits, the manager looks for someone who can move runners and hit ground balls when needed.

The Kauffman Stadium interview room was at capacity for today’s introduction of first-round pick Christian Colon.

The shortstop is very excited to start playing professional baseball right away. He did not want the negotiations to drag out. He will leave for Wilmington on Saturday and participate in drills for a few days, then begin playing in games next week.

J.J. Picollo, Assistant General Manger for Scouting/Player Development, says that Colon can handle the Carolina League (Class A – Advanced). Picollo cited Colon’s Team USA experience and his strong college background at Cal State Fullerton. He believes that the next few months will be beneficial to Colon, who will get to adjust to pro ball before spring training.

Colon is advised by former Kansas City shortstop Kurt Stillwell, who is now with the Boras Corporation. Stillwell had a chance to catch up with Frank White, his former double play partner, as well as Jeff Montgomery, who was Stillwell’s teammate both in the Cincinnati system and with the Royals.

On Saturday, we’ll post more pictures of Christian’s first day in a Kansas City uniform.

The Royals today have signed first-round draft choice Christian Colon, the fourth overall selection in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft. Consistent with team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. Royals’ amateur scout Scott Groot signed the Royals selection.

The 6’0″, 180 lb. right-handed hitting shortstop from Cal State Fullerton was named a first-team All-America by Baseball America and a Brooks Wallace Shortstop of the Year Semifinalist. Colon compiled a .358 average with 17 home runs, 68 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 64 games, leading the Titans to the NCAA Super Regional. Prior to his three seasons with Fullerton, Colon graduated from Canyon High School in Corona, Calif.

The 21-year old, born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, played for Team USA’s Collegiate National Team in 2009. He became the first player in the history of the Collegiate National Team to earn the title of captain. Colon led Team USA in hits (34), home runs (5), RBI (37), runs (31) and stolen bases (24) and was named Summer League Player of the Year by Baseball America.

Colon will be assigned to Wilmington, the Royals’ Class A Advanced affiliate in the Carolina League.

He will meet with the media later today. We’ll post a summary of the press conference, so check back!

The Royals today announced the signing of third-round pick Michael Antonio and 41st-round selection Matt Ridings from the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Both players will report to Surprise, Ariz.

Antonio, the 86th overall pick, is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound shortstop out of George Washington High School in New York, NY. Ridings is a 6-foot, 190-pound right-handed pitcher from Western Kentucky University. To date, the Royals have signed 29 of their 50 selections from the 2010 Draft, including 11 of the top 17 picks, and eight undrafted free agents.

The I-70 Series presented by Sprint returns to Kauffman Stadium as the Royals host the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-game weekend series, June 24-27, to complete Interleague Play for 2010. The series includes a special Saturday afternoon game set for 1:10 p.m. The Royals then welcome the Chicago White Sox to Kansas City for a three-game set, June 28-30.

TRAFFIC UPDATE: The Royals would like to alert fans that Stadium Drive is currently closed at Raytown Road. To access parking on the west side of Kauffman Stadium, fans may proceed on Raytown Road past Stadium Drive and will be able to enter the Truman Sports Complex through Gate 5. To access parking on the east side of Kauffman Stadium, fans may continue on Raytown Road approximately one mile past Gate 5 and enter the complex through Gate 4.

Saturday, June 26 – St. Louis Cardinals vs. Royals presented by Sprint, 1:10 p.m.? 610 Saturday – Enjoy great food, live music and activities for fans of all ages prior to the game in the Outfield Experience. www.royals.com/610saturday.

? Salute to the 1985 Royals World Series Poster presented by James Printing to the first 20,000 fans. As an added bonus, a limited number of posters that will be distributed at the gates have been signed by Royals Hall of Fame second baseman Frank White.

? Fun Run presented by Sprint. All fans can run the bases after the game (conditions permitting).? Bases Loaded 4-Pack – www.royals.com/basesloaded.

Wednesday, June 30 – Chicago White Sox vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.? 1985 World Series DVD – Relive one of the most dramatic games in club history with a commemorative copy of Game 5 of the 1985 World Series, a 2-0 win for the Royals over St. Louis which staved off elimination and set the stage for the club’s dramatic seven-game series win. The DVD is part of the Kansas City Royals 1985 World Series Collector’s Edition DVD box set, featuring complete TV broadcasts of all seven games and available beginning July 27. ? 1980s Special Edition INK College Night – The Royals are celebrating the decade of break dancing, jellies and the Rubik’s Cube with a special 1980s edition of INK College Night. An ’80s-themed costume contest and trivia showdown will take place in the Outfield Experience prior to the game with special prizes awarded to contest winners in both categories. www.royals.com/college or www.royals.com/80snight. ? All You Can Eat Seats – www.royals.com/allyoucaneat.

Fans may purchase tickets online at royals.com, by calling 1-800-6ROYALS, at area Hy-Vee stores or at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office.

The Royals and Nationals close out an Interleague series at 3:35 Central today. Kansas City will face Washington’s Stephen Strasburg. The game WILL air on Fox Sports Kansas City as it was added last week. Here’s your lineup:

Rosters for the 12th annual XM All-Star Futures Game were announced today and two Kansas City prospects are on the U.S. team!

First baseman Eric Hosmer (at top) and third baseman Mike Moustakas (above) will represent the Royals at the July 11 game in Anaheim, which is part of All-Star Sunday. Northwest Arkansas manager Brian Poldberg will be a coach for the U.S. team. Poldberg, who led the Naturals to the playoffs in 2008 and 2009, has skippered the club to a 41-28 record and a first-half title this season.

Hosmer, KC’s-first round pick in 2008, is currently leading the Carolina League in batting average (.356) and doubles (24). He has three home runs, 42 RBI, 10 stolen bases and 33 walks compared to just 27 strikeouts.

Moustakas, KC’s first-round pick in 2007, leads the Texas League in all three Triple Crown categories: average (.355), home runs (17) and RBI (63). He also paces the circuit in slugging percentage (.704) and is second in on-base percentage (.421).

The Royals and Nationals play tonight at 6:05 Central. Tune in on FSKC and the Royals Radio Network. REMINDER – tomorrow’s game has been added to the FSKC schedule (3:35 Central start). Set your DVR or watch the replay at 6:45. Here’s your lineup:

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